Blues 2024
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How the forwards squad is shaping up:
Josh Fusitua
Marcel Renata
Ofa Tuʻungafasi
James Lay - may go to MP?
Loosehead - Finlay Brewis?
Tighthead - Tevita Mafileo?Kurt Eklund
Ricky Riccitelli
Soane VikenaPatrick Tuipulotu
Sam Darry
Edward Annandale
Laghlan McWhannellCameron Suafoa
Adrian Choat
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papalii
Rob Rush
Anton Segner
Hoskins Sotutu
Loose forward - Che Clark? -
Arrived from New Zealand at the age of 18 through Isaia Toeava, whose nephew he is, Edward integrated perfectly into the Clermont training center before establishing himself as one of the beams of the Espoirs pack. Endowed with an impressive physique and a mobility which is just as impressive, he nibbles, whenever he has the opportunity, precious minutes of play which contribute to his learning of the high level. At 22, he has a dozen game sheets in Yellow and Blue.
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@Tim Delete Robinson, otherwise must be close. If Lay goes I hope they take a chance on Soane Ahio. I rate him and am a bit scared he will have a storming NPC and disappear south if we don't pick him.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2024:
If Lay goes I hope they take a chance on Soane Ahio. I rate him and am a bit scared he will have a storming NPC and disappear south if we don't pick him.
I am really looking forward to watching him in the NPC this year. Auckland should make a good run at the title.
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@Tim I just hope the new Auckland coaching group will trust the young players to step up. Seeing Kalapu and Ekuasi this season looking comfortable at super level for Aussie teams when Alama gave Kalapu away and refused to give Ekuasi game time in favour of Journeymen Oz imports, was hugely frustrating.
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@Mr-Fish said in Blues 2024:
@frugby That suggests that every single player has already decided their future and put pen to paper with their clubs for next year, which definitely isn't the case.
I think you'll find that those who have re-signed would do so by now.... the Super Teams will probably have minimum 32 players locked in.
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COTTER NEW HEAD COACH - O’HALLORAN TO ASSIST — Blues Rugby
Vern Cotter is the new Head Coach of the Blues, signed on a two-year deal placing him at the Blues helm through until the end of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby season. Cotter, who starts with the Blues this week, will be joined by new Assistant Coach, Jason O’Halloran, also on a two-year deal, working al
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Good news. I always loved the way O'Halloran's Manawatu teams attacked. All we need now are some good signings, especially Locks and props.
From the Herald -
O’Halloran is expected to assume the attack brief at the Blues after honing his coaching craft in Japan, Manawatū and Scotland, where he linked with Cotter from 2014-2017 to lead the national team to fifth in the world.While Craig McGrath retains responsibility for the Blues defence, Dan Halangahu is expected to shift from attack to a skills focus in the coaching reshuffle.
Cotter’s traditional forwards focus and Paul Tito’s ongoing presence likely leaves no room for Tom Coventry, although he and Tana Umaga may be retained within the Blues in some capacity.
Cotter’s long-time relationship with All Blacks assistant Joe Schmidt - dating back to 2000 when they joined forces to lead Bay of Plenty to the Ranfurly Shield – could yet rekindle their ties at the Blues next year.
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Dan Halangahu is expected to shift from attack to a skills focus in the coaching reshuffle.
Parsons explained Halangahu's role earlier in the year. He was in charge of 3-4 phases of plays after set pieces. MacDonald was the structure of general play after that period or when the move was cancelled. All SR teams have a similar break down of responsibility
Halanagahu is probably lucky the change has happened so late because those attacks did not function all year
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@foobaNZ said in Blues 2024:
I think the Blues have won the new coaches battle.
As a Canes fan I was really hoping we'd land O'Halloran.
I still have high hopes for Laidlaw. Still need to find a VG defense and forward coach. Blues have 2 or 3 ex canes players. Crusaders 1. 2 for sure maybe 3 I would like to see back at the Canes
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Nice. I rate Cotter as a coach and his experience will help our younger coaching team.
ASM Rugby
